The New Jersey State Bar Association hosted legislators and lobbyists to discuss Governor Phil Murphy’s first 100 days in office. Senator Patrick Diegnan, Minority Leader Jon Bramnick, Assemblyman John McKeon, Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi and Assemblyman Anthony Bucco discussed his success, failures and what to expect in the next few months during the NJSBA Annual Meeting’s Inside Trenton program.
Some of the issues touched upon included the budget, sports betting, equal pay, and how this governor compares to Governor Chris Christie as far as working with the Legislature.
Commenting on the accessibility of Murphy, Senator Diegnan said he could reach out to him via text and will get a response. Adding to that, McKeon talked about the importance of touching base, even if just to wish someone a happy birthday. “I can tell you, I’ve gotten a number of texts from Governor Christie. None of them wishing me a ‘happy birthday.’” The comment drew laughter from the panelists and the attendees. Minority Leader Jon Bramnick chimed in by talking about the importance of face-to-face meetings and getting everyone’s opinions before acting on legislation.
Bramnick hosted his own continuing legal education program on effective communications at “Why People or Jurors Don’t Like You: Interpersonal Skills Inside and Outside of the Courtroom.” The program, which covered everything from how to greet people to simply listening and not talking, drew laughter from start to finish.
The program finished with an interactive question and answer session covering questions regarding infrastructure improvements, Murphy’s gubernatorial win as a virtual unknown in a field of office holders, and whether lawyers are better leaders.
NJSBA-Supported Bills Advance
The Assembly Appropriations Committee advanced several bills, including three supported by the NJSBA:
- A-1718 (Huttle)/S-478 (Vitale) revises the procedure for the issuance of an amended birth certificate for persons who have undergone a change in gender;
- A-3162 (Calabrese) creates assistance programs for businesses owned by lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered persons, persons with a disability, and veterans. The bill advances with an amendment to broaden the language to be more inclusive to these groups;
- A-317 (Pinkin) establishes certain requirements for domestic violence training for judges and judicial personnel.
These bills are headed for a full vote in the Assembly. The NJSBA continues to monitor their progress.
This is a status report provided by the New Jersey State Bar Association on recently passed and pending legislation, regulations, gubernatorial nominations and/or appointments of interest to lawyers, as well as the involvement of the NJSBA as amicus in appellate court matters. To learn more, visit njsba.com.